TOMS RIVER, NJ – If you’re a Republican elected official in Ocean County, there’s a good chance shortly after your election, you’ll find yourself employed within the Ocean County government. Usually, those jobs are given with high salaries and low expectations to show up for work.
The trend dates back decades, as dozens of elected officials, past and present, have held or currently hold jobs within the Ocean County government.
The most notable figures in recent years to hold public office while facing public criticism have been former Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato and Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina. Amato, now a New Jersey Senator, and Reina, still hold six-figure jobs within the county.
Amato is paid $128,688 for his position at the county printing offices. Reina earns $102,000 as head of the Ocean County bridge department.
This year, Lakewood Deputy Mayor Menache Miller and Manchester Township Council President Roxanne Conniff were both placed in new positions within the county. Both are allies of Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, a convicted felon and federal tax cheat who was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison before he was pardoned by President Trump in 2021.
Conniff, a close associate of the GOP chairman, was appointed as a community service aide with the county, earning $85,000 annually. Miller was hired as a private clerk for the administration office at an hourly rate that would pay him roughly $72,000 annually.
Insiders within the county were confused by the arrival of both individuals and are unsure what their daily duties are within the county. An OPRA request filed with the county turned up little information regarding their daily responsibilities.
The commissioners also hired Kaylann Ricotta, wife of failed Toms River candidate and Gilmore lackey Anthony Ricotta to serve as secretary to their close friend Commissioner Robert Arace. Commissioner Arace was a groomsman at the Ricotta’s wedding.
Mrs. Ricotta will earn $82,115 as a secretary to her friend Arace.